Enneagram Type 1 - The Perfectionist

Ones are a body-based type with an emphasis on personal integrity and self control. Their attention goes toward seeing and correcting what is wrong, and doing the right thing. They are known for their honesty, dependability and common sense.

Ones are very responsible, so much so that they may resent other people who don't take life as seriously as they do. They have high standards and tend to see things in black and white, right and wrong. It's easy for them to be critical, of themselves and others. They work hard at being right all the time. They are idealistic and will exert great effort to improve the world around them, which often puts them in the role of social reformer. Their crucial elements of growth are to learn to accept their imperfections and tolerate other people's points of view.

Strengths: Honest, responsible, improvement-oriented

Problems: Resentful, non-adaptable, and overly critical

Speaking style: Precise and detail-oriented, with a tendency to sermonize

Lower emotional habit: Resentment, which results from getting angry but holding it in

Higher emotion: Serenity, which comes with letting go of anger about the way things are and accepting imperfection

Archetypal challenge: To change what can be changed, to accept what cannot be changed, and to develop the wisdom to know the difference

Psychological defenses: Ones use the defense mechanism of reaction formation to avoid their anger (and other feelings and impulses) and maintain the self image of being "right." (Reaction formation is feeling one thing and then doing the opposite, such as feeling resentful but acting nice).

Somatic patterns: As body-based types, Ones are usually grounded and practical, good at ordering the tasks of daily life. The pressure to be right and the need for control leads to physical rigidity and tension, particularly in the jaw, neck, and shoulders. The face can take on an expression of angry judgment or resentful martyrdom.

Tips for Relatingto Ones

To create rapport: Respect their integrity and take things seriously

Try to avoid: Making agreements that you may not keep; neglecting proper procedures or good manners.

Join them: In seeing how things can be improved

To handle conflict: Ask them to be direct with their anger and get past their resentment; admit your mistakes; speak with personal conviction and authority. Challenge them to see more than one right way.

To support their growth: Help them be less critical of themselves and more accepting of their mistakes and imperfections; ask them to mediate their judgment with fairness and forgiveness; remind them to share responsibility with others; encourage them to have fun.